IEP 147 B/C English for Medicine
http://www.wiley.com/legacy/wileychi/bowater/supp/Chapter_4_A1_poster_example_2.pdf
UNIT 2.2: USING RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The Story of Aspirin
There is evidence that plant extracts made from various sources, including
willow bark, were used 6000 years ago to alleviate headaches, pains and
fevers. Hippocrates described the use of powder made from the bark and
leaves of the willow tree to treat these symptoms. The modern era of
aspirin began in the 18th century, when Reverend Stone described the
beneficial effects of willow bark. In 1876, Thomas MacLagan, a Scottish
physician, reported successfully using willow powder extract (salicin) to
treat fever and rheumatism.
During the early 1800s many scientists analysed willow extract to find the
active ingredient. This led to the purification of a substance called salicin,
the Latin name for willow. These developments led to the establishment of
the Heyden Chemical Company, in Germany, that produced modified
salicin for medical purposes. However, since this was found to irritate the
stomach, it was modified further, though controversy exists as to who
modified it first. Identification of a successful version of the compound
arrived when the Bayer Company registered the modified product,
Acetylsalicyclic Acid, under the trade name Aspirin in 1899. Aspirin became
known worldwide for safe and effective pain relief, being available without
prescription to the public from 1915.
Although aspirin has been available as a medicine since the early 1900’s, it
was not until the 1970’s that we understood how it worked as a drug.
Aspirin exerts its effect by permanently inactivating the enzyme
cyclooxygenase. This enzyme synthesises prostaglandins and
thromboxanes.
Aspirin produces wide-ranging effects because prostaglandins are
hormones that help transmit the sensation of pain to the brain and they
trigger inflammation. Thromboxanes promote the aggregation of platelets
to form blood clots. Since heart attacks are caused primarily by blood
clots, low doses of aspirin are being used to prevent clotting.
More recent studies suggest aspirin use reduces the risk of developing
colorectal cancer. At relatively high doses, aspirin slows down the
proliferation of various cancer cells. However, the side effects of taking
aspirin at these high doses limits the anti-cancer potential of the
compound.
IEP 147 B/C English for Medicine
http://www.wiley.com/legacy/wileychi/bowater/supp/Chapter_4_A1_poster_example_2.pdf
Using Research Questions:
(Please read the introduction about aspirin first)
1) What is the most interesting part in the story, according to you?
2) Draw the chemical structure of aspirin? Identify the different
chemical groups if possible, using your knowledge of chemistry.
3) How does aspirin help us?
4) Research some of the side effects of aspirin that limit its anticancer
potential.
5) Research one of the similar drugs to aspirin (but do not contain
aspirin) and briefly describe its effects. [Clue: NSAIDs]